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How is United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties focused on the community?
United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties is committed to strengthening our community and lifting families out of poverty, ensuring children receive a quality education, and keeping seniors connected and thriving. Every child deserves a strong start in life, which is why we are committed to ensuring that by 2032, 80% of local children are prepared for kindergarten. By investing in our children, we are investing in our community for generations to come.
How does United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties make an impact in the community?
We partner with our community by working alongside others, supporting organizations that make an impact, and connecting those who care with those who are in need. We partner with local organizations, community leaders, and volunteers to help solve local problems and uplift local community members.
What are your priorities in the community?
We are focused on improving the health, education and financial stability of local community members so that every person has a chance at leading a quality life. We seek out projects, programs, and opportunities that make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Do you partner with organizations to make an impact?
Yes! We are committed to our “partners in impact” as we value and appreciate all the work that local organizations do every day. We have partnerships with local organizations that help support children, families, and seniors by ensuring people have access to healthy food, early childhood support, educational opportunities, mental health support, access to legal services, and many other essential services that are necessary for our community.
Why are you focused on kindergarten readiness?
By supporting families and preparing children for kindergarten, we can invest in children and help set them up for success. When children are prepared for kindergarten, they are more likely to succeed in school and beyond.
In many parts of our community, the percentage of children ready for kindergarten is below the state average. In fact, in some parts of our community, over 75% of children show up for kindergarten already behind. For children who are from low-income households or who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, there are additional barriers that also need to be addressed.
We believe that all children deserve a strong start in life, and we are committed to working alongside parents, educators, and community organizations to support local families and children so that children are prepared for kindergarten.
How is United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties connected to other United Ways throughout the country?
United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties is a local organization that is focused on building up our community right here in Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties. Although we are an affiliate of United Way Worldwide and benefit from this relationship, all funds and efforts are focused on our community. We are committed to solving our local challenges in ways that meet our community’s needs and build on our community’s strengths.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
We are proud to be the local partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program so that all children can receive a free book each month from birth to age five. Books are free and families do not need to meet income requirements to qualify – you simply need to live in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties and have a child under the age of five! To sign up click here.
Why is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library important?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides free, age-appropriate books each month to children until they are five years old. This program removes any barriers families have to accessing books and opens children up to the world of reading and books. This program has been shown to increase family engagement and literacy and to help children prepare for success in kindergarten.
Why are donations to United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties important?
United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties is a longstanding community organization invested in supporting children, families, and seniors. We are committed to making an impact and working alongside organizations that address our greatest needs in the most effective way possible. Donations to our organizations help us make an impact in the community so that each person has a chance at living a quality life.
Can I donate to United Way, but specify that the funding go to another organization?
Yes. United Way is committed to helping other organizations in our community. It recognizes that it may be easier for some donors to donate to United Way, with the intent of those dollars benefitting another organization. We provide this service to our community, with a 5% processing fee to help cover the staff and admin time required to coordinate and process these donations.
To learn more about United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum, call (360) 423-5320 or via email